Mike Leach Fired After Texas Tech Investigation

Only two days after suspending head coach Mike Leach, Texas Tech fired him on Wednesday. These came after allegations of "player abuse" on the part of Leach, after a player suffered a concussion.

While Mike Leach's lawyer, Ted Liggett, had earlier said that Leach would be exonerated, it didn't take long for the University to complete its investigation. The sides were to meet in a Lubbock, TX courtroom for a hearing on Leach's suspension, but Texas Tech lawyers handed Liggett a letter saying that Leach was "terminated with cause effective immediately."

Mike Leach was suspended by the university on Monday after receiver Adam James alleged improper treatment following a concussion, James, the son of former NFL player and ESPN analyst Craig James, alleged the coach twice confined him to small, dark places while the team practised, going so far as to post a "guard" outside the spaces.

It is somewhat of an "old-school" thought that players play through injuries, including concussions. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the long-term effects of concussions on players. One in fact showed that NFL players have a much higher rate of dementia that the general public.

The studies have raised such concerns that the NFL has implemented stricter rules on returning to play after a concussion. In the past, the NFL had said that players could return to the field as soon as their symptoms were gone, even if it were the same game in which the injury occurred.

Texas Tech is scheduled to play in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio against Michigan State. Liggett had earlier said Mike Leach would be reinstated in time for the bowl game.

One reason for the quick turnaround on the investigation may be Mike Leach's contract. In February, Leach and Texas Tech signed a $12.7 million, five-year contract. Leach was due an $800,000 bonus on Dec. 31st if he were still the head coach.

Defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill will be the interim head coach and will remain in charge of the team for the time being. Meanwhile, former University of Houston and current Baylor head coach Art Briles is considered to be the leading candidate to replace Mike Leach. Briles has just completed his second season with the Baylor Bears. He is a Texas Tech alum and was an assistant coach with the Red Raiders before becoming head coach at the University of Houston.

Written by Michael Santo
HULIQ.com

Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.